Debut Corner with middleweight Lenny Fuller from Kent
Unlicensed boxing champion Lenny ‘The Main Man’ Fuller makes his pro bow this Saturday May 12 on a packed JE Promotions card in Maidstone town centre, aptly titled ‘Young Guns’ as a tribute to the rising prospects appearing on the show.
The 23-year-old middleweight talent from Maidstone took time out on fight week to talk to BBN:
What made you want to start boxing?
“Just coming from a travelling background, really. I had four brothers, all a similar age, and we were constantly fighting. The boxing club is just the place to go to. My uncle done a bit of a boxing, he was a good amateur, but we’ve always been into it, everyone is, even my nan is into it!”
Who was your boxing hero growing up and why?
“Joe Calzaghe, I thought a lot of, I really liked watching him. Ricky Hatton as well and, I suppose, Amir Khan, too.”
How old were you when you had your first fight and how did you do?
“I was 12 when I first fought for Westry ABC, I actually lost that fight but it only made me stronger.”
How well did you do in the amateurs?
“I had a limited amateur career with Westry ABC from the age of 11. I stopped the amateurs at 14, but never been out the gym, you never really take the gloves off once you put them on, and I came back again when I was 18, wanting to compete again, so I took up unlicensed boxing with Maidstone Boxing Club.
Then, I started training with Combat Sports Academy with trainer Lee Page, who’s now my full-time coach. I have won titles in IBA, EBA, UKBC, and boxed once on the Queensbury Boxing League.”
What made you decide to turn pro?
“I’m 23 and not getting any younger! I feel good right now and strong; I believe I’ve signed with a good promoter and there’s a real buzz about Kent boxing at the moment.”
What team do you have around you?
“I’ve got a good team, Lee Page is my main coach and an absolute diamond! Ray Askew and Sam Latham from Invicta Gym inn Sheppey are helping me loads. Joe Elfidh is my manager, I feel like he’s bringing a real buzz back to Kent professional boxing right now, we were in talks with other promoters but we felt like Joe was the best.
I’ve got a few sponsors I’d like to mention: Mark Davies Accountancy; Clarity Property Clearance; City Wide Electrical; Combat Sports; and Evolution Strength and Conditioning Gym, run by Andy Gower.”
Are you full-time as a pro?
“I am full-time, living the dream!”
What sort of fighting style do you have?
“I get in there and feel them out, I’m a Canelo-esque type boxer on the backfoot, counter-punching.”
What ambitions do you have for your pro career?
“I want to go as far as I can take myself, I believe I can definitely make British level, then push for European and see if I’ve got the luck to go for World.”
When is your first fight and who will be there in support?
“This Saturday May 12 at Mote Park, I’ve done around 160 plus tickets, which ain’t too bad. I built that fanbase up from the unlicensed scene, but I’ve really put myself out there, been chasing people up and asking around. If I can keep that fanbase going then I can fight often and I want to be as active as I can because I’d like to be challenging for a Southern Area belt next year.”